Canon 7D, Canon 50mm ƒ/1.4 lens, 1/125 sec at ƒ/2.8, ISO 200

I photographed my first newborn yesterday … isn’t she adorable! The natural light in my studio is perfect for babies … soft, diffused light coming through a nice big window. We had lots of fun and it was a great experience. The toughest thing is the posing … babies pretty much do what they want, but there are ways to position them for photos. It would be awesome to take a class on this, or even just get a good newborn-specific photography book (any recommendations out there?) I can totally see myself doing more of these in the future. :)

Congratulations to Jill Gibbons, Nolan Hauke and Dana Willis—you have each won a signed copy of my new book, Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots! I’ll be sending you each an email shortly with more information.

In the blog post where this contest was announced last week all that was needed to enter was a comment … the content of the comments didn’t make a difference in the chances of winning (winners were selected randomly using Random.org) but I honestly wasn’t expecting the comments I got. (And, BTW, I read every single comment that comes through on all the posts on my blog, in case you were wondering.) :) You all had some really nice things to say, and I want to say thank you! I post to this blog more for all of you than for me … I do my best to create content that is helpful and inspiring for other photographers. I’m not sponsored and don’t really make much at all from the tiny ads off to the side (the few dollars I make each month help with my server fees) so I pretty much do this for fun.

If you didn’t win this time or missed out on the contest, you still have a chance! My friend Rich Legg has one signed copy of my book to give away on his blog as well. Check it out here. :)

Canon 7D, Canon 24-105 ƒ/4L IS lens, 1/400 sec at ƒ/4.5, ISO 100

I’ve been catching up on editing and taking lots of photos this week … I’ve been crazy busy and it’s been great! Thankfully I have had a small break from writing (although I don’t expect it to last too long). ;) I feel a real vacation is in order before my schedule gets too hectic in the months ahead.

Tomorrow I have a newborn shoot planned … super excited, since I was there for the birth. More to come!

Canon 7D, Canon 50mm ƒ/1.4 lens, 1/80 sec at ƒ/2.8, ISO 320

This is the first time little Elliott is meeting her parents. Amidst screams and squeaks I managed to catch a moment of quiet and peace … just before she was whisked away to be weighed, measured, and have all those other essential tests done to her.

The first few moments of life are probably some of the most scary and traumatizing—it’s probably a good thing we can’t remember them. :)

Canon 7D, Canon 50mm ƒ/1.4 lens

Congrats to the proud Mom and Dad … I’m so happy I was there for you to document your very special day. And welcome to the world, little Elliott. :)

On Monday, July 19 I’ll be giving away three signed copies of my new book, Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots, right here on my blog! If you win I’ll sign the book and ship it directly to you (U.S. only).

All you have to do to be eligible is post a comment below … that’s it!

Only one entry per person allowed, open only to US residents. Winners will be selected randomly on Monday, July 19, 2010.

Good luck!

Update: This contest is over; you can view the winners here.

Canon 7D, Canon 70-200 ƒ/4L IS lens, 1/125 sec at ƒ/5.6, ISO 100

I just finished up a photo shoot with “Heavy Metal Heidi” … she hosts monthly heavy metal nights at a local club and needed an image for a promotional posters. We changed things around a bunch and got a lot of really fun shots. This was one that I wanted to do … probably won’t make the poster but it is a pretty cool shot. Playing with lights = fun. :)

Click here to see a behind-the-scenes diagram of this shot. I’ll post more shots over the next week along with more BTS images.